When the Tables are Turned

Chapter 9

Mark's POV

When I buzzed at P'Gun's grandfather's gate, never in a million years had I ever anticipated that for the first time in my young life, I would be dealt with the biggest heartache and with the resounding realization that all this time I had been in love with someone who was no longer a free agent.

It was not even P'Gun who opened the gate for me. It was P'Title whom I didn't know he had invited to the party as well.

"Come in, Mark," P'Title said excitedly, "I want you to meet someone! She is the prettiest girl I have ever laid eyes on."

P'Title led me to the part of the spacious lawn where chairs had been arranged for visitors to sit. There was a very lovely young lady with straight flowing dark hair, eyes that looked like they were always smiling, wearing a light blue dress that barely covered her knees to reveal very shapely legs. She was drinking something from a red tumbler when we approached her.

"Hi, Linda," said P'Title, "I would like you to meet one of P'Gun's friends. His name is Mark."

Linda stretched out her hand to me and I took it to shake it gently.

"... and Mark, this is Linda, P'Guns' childhood sweetheart," P'Title continued.

I looked around for something to hold on to keep my balance steady, because suddenly I felt like the ground underneath was starting to get shaky.

Suddenly Linda stood up and walked quickly past me.

"Here, let me carry this over to that table so that you can join your friends, sweetheart," I heard her say.

I turned around and saw P'Gun carrying a box which he handed over to Linda. He then walked over to us with a big smile.

"Hey, I'm glad you could make it to my grandfather's birthday party," he said to me.

I couldn't say anything back. My heart was somehow blocking my throat and my voice couldn't get through.

"P'Gun!" P'Title said in a reproachful voice, "how come you never told us about your childhood sweetheart???"

P'Gun just shook his head, refusing to enlighten us.

I couldn't bear to be in his presence anymore.

"Where's you grandfather?" I asked, "I have not yet greeted him a happy birthday."

He pointed me in the direction of the other side of the lawn where I saw his grandfather chatting with his friends.

"Good evening, sir." I said bowing respectfully with my hands clasped together, "I just wanted to greet you a happy birthday."

"Thank you, young man, have you had anything to eat and drink yet?" he asked.

"I will get something to eat in a little bit," I replied, "can I sit over here for a little while?" I asked, pointing to an empty chair beside him.

"Of course, young man," he said, "feel free to sit anywhere you like. But why don't you join Gunnapat and his other friends over there?"

"I would like to sit beside the birthday celebrant first," I said, hiding my heartache behind a smile. "Besides I don't want to butt in on the lovey dovey conversation of those two lovebirds."

"Are you referring to Linda and Gun?" he asked. "I didn't know that they were official already. That grandson of mine is such a dark horse. He never lets me in on his secrets."

I excused myself to get a drink because suddenly my throat felt very dry.

Just as I got back to my seat with a tumbler of fruit punch, somebody had turned on a mellow music and people started going towards the empty spaces to sway to the sweet romantic music. 

From the corner of my eye, I saw Linda grab P'Gun's hand and lead him to the dance space.

They were dancing very close, too close. She was swaying seductively in time with the music, holding P'Gun very tight, too tight.

I quickly turned to P'Gun's grandfather.

"Sir, I am so sorry that I have to leave your party right now," I said in a regretful tone, "I just received a text from my mom that I need to go home. She needs my help." I was of course just making false excuses to get out of my miserable situation as quickly as possible.

"That's too bad," P'Gun's grandfather replied, "the fun was just starting. But of course you have to go if your mother needs you."

"Please just give my excuses to P'Gun," I said, "I don't want to interrupt his dance with Linda."

And with that, I let myself out the gate, with barely a glance at the couple who were the cause of my heartache.

I prayed that I would be able to get home without crashing into another motorist.